Over 100 gun and pyrotechnic enthusiasts will gather to
shoot at exploding targets in Northern Idaho for a
weekend of fiery fun at the sixth annual Boomer Shoot, May 2-4. Major Gene Econ (Retired), a former Officer in the
US Army Special Forces, will offer precision
rifle training during the Saturday session of the event. Econ is currently a
marksmanship instructor for the 1st Brigade of the 25th Infantry Division
(Stryker Brigade Combat Team) at FortLewis.

“The clinic is unique in that no matter what level of
proficiency one brings to the class, they’ll leave with more confidence and
knowledge in their marksmanship ability,” says Econ.

However, as a result of the recent D.C. sniper
shootings, Huffman has received complaints from concerned citizens, expressing
their fears about safety in regards to this year’s Boomer Shoot. Huffman
reinforces that sniping and precision rifle shooting are two entirely different
things.

“Precision rifle shooters at the Boomer Shoot aim at milk
cartons in the open. Snipers kill humans from the shadows,” says Huffman.

The Boomer Shoot maintains a spotless safety record, with zero serious
injuries in the history of the event.

“After firing tens of thousands of rounds and detonating
hundreds of pounds of explosives over the past six events, the only injuries
have been minor scrapes, bruises, sunburn, and sore shoulders.”

Shooters and spectators from across the country will attend
the event, including law enforcement officers, scientists, engineers, members
of the Boeing Pistol & Rifle Club, and Microsoft Gun Club.

“The Boomer Shoot is a gathering of geeks with guns,” says Huffman, who works
in a government laboratory as a senior research scientist. “We
just want to have fun.”

Spectators are welcome
at the event; shooter positions are still open but are
expected to sellout. A special spectator/shooting slot will be available to
media representatives for free. Shooters interested in attending Econ’s rifle
training should contact Econ directly at eaecon@comcast.net.